Protocol for a qualitative systematic review on digital health technologies in young adults with CVD
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Key Takeaway
Recognize this as a protocol; no findings are available to guide clinical practice yet.
This is a protocol for a qualitative systematic review and meta-synthesis, not a completed study. The planned review aims to synthesize qualitative evidence on how young adults (aged 18-49) with cardiovascular disease (CVD) experience and engage with digital health technologies (DHTs) for disease management. The analysis will be framed through the lens of media affordances, examining how the features of DHTs shape user engagement and experience.
As a protocol, no results are yet available. The review will include qualitative studies that explore young adults' perspectives on DHTs, but the specific studies to be included, sample sizes, and settings have not been reported. The primary outcome is understanding how this population experiences and engages with DHTs from a media affordances perspective.
Limitations are not yet specified as the review has not been conducted. Potential limitations may include heterogeneity in study designs and contexts, but these will be addressed upon completion. The protocol does not report funding or conflicts of interest.
Clinicians should note that this is a planned review; no evidence-based recommendations can be drawn at this stage. Once completed, the review may offer insights into patient-centered design and implementation of DHTs for young adults with CVD, but current practice should rely on existing evidence.
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View Original Abstract ↓
IntroductionCardiovascular disease (CVD) is a leading cause of disability and mortality worldwide, with a rising prevalence among young adults. Digital health technologies (DHTs) offer potential support for disease management, yet their integration into the daily lives of young adults with CVD remains poorly understood. This study aims to systematically review and synthesize qualitative evidence on how young adults with CVD experience and engage with DHTs, from the perspective of media affordances.MethodsThis review will employ a qualitative systematic review and meta-synthesis. We will search seven databases (Cochrane Library, PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, Embase, CINAHL, PsycINFO) for qualitative and mixed-methods studies published from January 2013 to August 2025. Studies involving young adults (aged 18–49) with CVD who have used DHTs for disease management will be included. Two independent reviewers will screen studies, assess methodological quality, extract data, and synthesize findings, using the JBI Critical Appraisal Checklist for Qualitative Research for quality assessment and thematic synthesis guided by the Theory of Media Affordances for data synthesis. Confidence in the synthesized findings will be assessed using the GRADE-CERQual approach.Clinical Trial Registration:https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/view/CRD420251138307, PROSPERO registration number CRD420251138307
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